Planning to take your pet to France or Europe? You have two main options for crossing the Channel: the Eurotunnel (Channel Tunnel) or a ferry. Both have their advantages, but for most pet owners, the Eurotunnel is the clear winner. Here's our comprehensive comparison based on years of transporting pets.
Quick Comparison: Eurotunnel vs Ferry for Pets
| Factor | Eurotunnel | Ferry |
|---|
| Crossing time | 35 minutes | 90-120 minutes |
| Pet stays with you | Yes, in vehicle | No, in kennel or car deck |
| Frequency | Up to 4 per hour | Every 1-2 hours |
| Sea sickness risk | None | Possible |
| Noise/stress | Minimal | Higher (engines, crowds) |
| Pet facilities | Pet Reception before | Kennels on board |
| Weather delays | Rare | Common in rough seas |
Why We Always Choose the Eurotunnel
As professional pet transporters, we exclusively use the Eurotunnel for Channel crossings. Here's why:
1. Your Pet Stays With You
This is the single biggest advantage. On the Eurotunnel, pets remain in the vehicle throughout the 35-minute crossing. You can sit with them, comfort them, and monitor their wellbeing. There's no separation anxiety for you or your pet.
On ferries, pets must either stay in the vehicle on the car deck (which you cannot access during the crossing) or be placed in onboard kennels. Many pet owners find this separation stressful – and so do the pets.
2. Much Faster Crossing
The Eurotunnel crossing takes just 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais. Ferries take 90-120 minutes depending on the route. That's up to three times longer that your pet spends in an unusual environment.
3. No Sea Sickness
The Channel Tunnel runs beneath the seabed – there's no movement or rolling. Some pets (and humans!) suffer from sea sickness on ferries, especially in rough weather. The tunnel eliminates this completely.
4. More Frequent Departures
Eurotunnel services run up to four times per hour at peak times. If you miss one, there's another soon. Ferries typically run every 1-2 hours. This gives much more flexibility for your travel plans.
5. Weather Reliable
Ferries can be delayed or cancelled in rough seas. The Channel can be unpredictable. The Eurotunnel is underground and weather-independent – services run regardless of conditions above.
Our Experience
We've transported thousands of pets through the Eurotunnel. In our experience, pets are noticeably calmer than those who've traveled by ferry. The short crossing, familiar vehicle environment, and absence of engine noise all contribute to a more relaxed journey.
The Eurotunnel Pet Experience
Before Crossing: Pet Reception
All pets must be checked at Pet Reception in Folkestone before crossing. Here, staff verify:
- Microchip (scanned to confirm identity)
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
- Tapeworm treatment for dogs (if required)
This process typically takes 15-30 minutes. We handle all the paperwork and procedures.
During Crossing
Once checked, you drive onto the train. Pets stay in the vehicle. The crossing takes 35 minutes. You can stay in the car with your pet or walk around the carriage (leaving the pet briefly if needed). There's no noise, no motion – most pets barely notice they're travelling.
After Crossing
You drive off in Calais and continue your journey. There's no additional pet check on the French side – the verification happens in Folkestone.
When Might a Ferry Be Better?
In fairness, there are a few situations where a ferry might work:
- Budget travel: Ferries can be cheaper, especially for foot passengers
- Different routes: Ferries serve Portsmouth-Le Havre, Plymouth-Roscoff, etc.
- No vehicle: Ferries accept foot passengers with pets; Eurotunnel requires a vehicle
- Large motorhomes: Some very large vehicles don't fit on Eurotunnel
However, for most pet transport scenarios, the Eurotunnel's advantages far outweigh these considerations.
Ferry Pet Facilities: What to Expect
If you do choose a ferry, here's what to expect:
Pet-Friendly Cabins
Some ferries offer pet-friendly cabins where your pet can stay with you. These are limited and book up quickly. You'll pay a premium, and they're only available on longer crossings (e.g., Portsmouth-Le Havre).
Onboard Kennels
Dover-Calais ferries typically have kennels on the car deck. Your pet stays here during the crossing. You cannot visit them. This can be distressing for both pets and owners.
Car Deck
Some ferries allow pets to remain in vehicles on the car deck. However, you cannot access the car deck during the crossing, so you can't check on your pet for 90+ minutes.
Documentation: Same for Both
Whether you choose Eurotunnel or ferry, the documentation requirements are identical:
- ISO-compliant microchip
- Valid rabies vaccination (21+ days old)
- Animal Health Certificate (within 10 days)
- Tapeworm treatment for dogs (returning to UK)
Full documentation guide
Our Recommendation
For pet transport, we strongly recommend the Eurotunnel. The benefits are clear:
- Shorter, stress-free crossing
- Pet stays with you throughout
- No sea sickness risk
- More reliable (weather-independent)
- Professional Pet Reception facilities
This is why we use the Eurotunnel exclusively for all our pet transport services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Eurotunnel safer than the ferry for dogs?
Yes - for most dogs the Eurotunnel is the lower-stress option. Your dog stays in the vehicle with you for the entire 35-minute crossing, there's no engine noise, no rolling motion, and no separation. On Dover-Calais ferries the dog is left alone on the car deck (which you cannot access) or in onboard kennels for 90+ minutes. Sea-sickness, anxiety from separation, and unfamiliar noise are all common on ferries.
Can my cat travel through the Eurotunnel?
Yes. Cats travel in their carrier inside the vehicle for the 35-minute crossing. We recommend a sturdy, top-opening carrier with a familiar blanket and a covered side to keep your cat calm. Cats are not required to have tapeworm treatment - that requirement is dogs only.
Do I have to leave my pet in the car during the Eurotunnel crossing?
Your pet stays in the vehicle, but you stay with them. You can sit in the car with your pet, or briefly step out into the carriage to stretch your legs while another adult stays in the vehicle. There's no requirement to leave them alone. This is a key difference from ferries, where the car deck is sealed during the crossing.
What happens if the Eurotunnel is delayed - is it ever as bad as a cancelled ferry?
Eurotunnel delays are usually short (15-45 minutes) and the service runs in almost all conditions including high winds and rough seas. Ferries are frequently cancelled or delayed by hours in winter storms. Over the past five years the Eurotunnel has had a 99%+ reliability rate vs around 92% for Dover-Calais ferry crossings.
Can I take my pet on the Eurotunnel as a foot passenger?
No - the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle is a drive-on, drive-off vehicle service. You need to be in a car, van, motorhome, or coach. If you don't have a vehicle, your options are the Eurostar (which does not accept pets except registered assistance dogs) or a ferry with foot-passenger pet facilities.
Let Us Handle the Crossing
Don't want to drive through the tunnel yourself? Our pet transport service handles everything – collection from your door, Pet Reception check-in, the Eurotunnel crossing, and delivery to your European destination.
Get Free Quote
Call: +44 7892 807912
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